CSU public lecture film screening tells refugee story

The
screening of Constance on the Edge,
about a group of African Australians from refugee backgrounds, has been
organised by the CSU Centre
for Law and Justice in collaboration with the Bathurst Refugee Support
Group.

Centre
Director Associate Professor Alison Gerard said, "Constance on the Edge is an unflinchingly honest portrayal of a
group of African Australians from refugee backgrounds, attempting ─ often
against the odds ─ to create a home in Wagga Wagga. It reveals their courage
and resilience, as they strive to reconstruct their own lives and enrich others
along the way.

"We
don't often hear the stories of those who arrive on our borders seeking freedom
from persecution and their challenges navigating a new life in Australia. This
film is a humanised account of these struggles and the Centre for Law and
Justice is proud to partner with the Bathurst Refugee Support Group to present
this to the University and wider community.

"Within
the Bachelor of Laws
and Bachelor
of Criminal Justice degrees, Charles Sturt University builds the technical
expertise of students in law and criminology, but also showcases, through
examples such as Constance on the Edge,
the human impact of law and policy. We produce graduates that are adept at
understanding different complexities so they may innovate and problem-solve
effectively, leading change within their communities."

Head
of Campus at CSU in Bathurst Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu said, "Constance on the Edge was produced in
Wagga Wagga, and it is our story. We are all Constance. We are all struggling
every day, trying to balance our past with our present, trying to meet our
family obligations, trying to meet our societal obligations, and trying to make
contributions to our society, and hoping to be welcome within our communities."

The
screening begins at 6.30pm and will be followed by a 'Question and Answer'
panel, then light refreshments. More information about the film can be found here.

Contact CSU Media to arrange
interviews. The photos show Constance and her family.

The
Explorations Series public lecture film screening will be in building 1292,
room 223, at CSU in
Bathurst from 6.30pm (doors open 6pm) until approximately 8.45pm, followed
by Q&A and light refreshments.

Follow event parking signs down Village Drive on the CSU
campus to P7 and follow balloons to the lecture theatre in building 1292.